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Career Portfolios

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I am currently dealing with three major projects:
  1. Completing my dissertation.
  2. Applying for 2010 positions
  3. Finishing home renovations.
The middle task, quite literally sandwiched between the other two in my daily life, is one of the most difficult for any person. I tell my students that career changes -- including starting a career -- are always difficult. The likelihood of rejection, at least a few times, is quite high. It is emotionally draining to hunt for work.

To be in the job market along with my students will be interesting. It should remind me of the challenges they face.

Portfolios are common for my students. Many have studied fashion design, architecture, or landscape horticulture. They need to present evidence of their projects to prospective employers. I also have to present evidence of my work as a graduate student, teacher, and writer. The portfolio will be something of a shared experience, this year.

I'm not yet sure if a digital portfolio will be a class assignment or not. In the past, I have only required a portfolio binder at the end of each semester. Maybe it is time to go digital with that assignment, too.
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